$300 for two dual core procs worth it?

[NeveSSL]

Hi all...

I am specing out a new computer to buy probably next month.

Here's my situation:

I can get a Core 2 Duo for about $1100 spec'ed the way I want it... I can get a dual, dual-core opteron system for only about $300 more... do you guys think its worth it?

If I understand correctly, PT will allow RTAS plugins to use extra procs... ie, I could essentially use all four cores while mixing down and benefit from having them.

At the same time, the Core 2 Duos are quite powerful and, from what I can tell, may be more powerful than the dual core opterons, so it wouldn't exactly be a weak system. Also, AMD keeps changing sockets like underwear making future expandability more complicated and possibly more limited. Theres also quad core chips on their way, but those could also probably be used in the dual-opteron to have 8 cores...

I'm not sure! This needs to be a comp to last a while, and I've always wanted dual procs (especially with 4 cores), so I'm kind of leaning toward the dual opterons.

What do you guys think?

Your input is much appreciated!

Brandon

[sunburst79]

As of right now there are no chipsets that will support 2 Core 2 Duo processors, You will be able to update to a intel quad processor but I suspect that thats the end of road for socket 775 and DDR2 (that is just a guess though) Cdxpat swapped out his Core 2 for a QX6700 Quad and was having all sorts of problems I would imagine Quad support will be forthcoming from DIGI at some point in the not so near future. I know the AMD 4x4 platform will support 2 Quads in the future but its extremely expensive and likely to stay that way. I'm not sure what AMDs road map is for the regular Opteron. I would build a single Core 2 Duo and save for a Quad when support arrives. Either choice is going to net you a amazing Protools computer

[Jeff_C]

I just built the Dual Socket F based "Quadzilla" system with 2 Dual Core Opterons and I'm having no problems so far.

I originally intended to go to a pair of 4-core Opterons when they come out this year (8 processors!). Now I've seen such an improvement over my previous P4 machine that I doubt I'll need any more power in the near future. Or maybe I'll change my habits and start using a separate Waves IR-L Reverbs on each instrument...

Jeff

[NeveSSL]

Hey guys... thanks for the replies...

Sunburst, sorry I wasn't clear... I mean I can get a single core 2 duo machine for x amount, or a dual opteron machine for $300 more... I know there are not any "dual core 2 duo" mobos or any kind of support (not even with taking a pencil or trace writing pen to some L5 bridges, if you know what I mean ). And I think that's the ultimate point that you made at the end... either way, it will be a major improvement over my current 2500xp athlon!

Jeff I'm thinking kind of along the same lines as you as far as I would be going socket f. Do you care to share what mobo you used and what brand/how much memory?

Thanks guys!

Brandon

[sunburst79]

There both great I would go with what ever the newest AMD socket is to make sure the upgrade path is there. Keep in mind you are going to need to buy two Processors when you do go to upgrade. Ultimately the AMD quad is going to be a bit more flexible. I think the last year and a half have been tremendous for people building PT computers.

Its all good.

AMDs 4x4 is based on a Modified nvidea 680i Chipset. I would be real interested to know if the same thing would be possible for the Core 2 Duos.

[Jeff_C]

Hi, NeveSSL.

Here's the system I built.
--------------------------
Antec P180 case with Nexus Damptek Acoustic Treatment
Vantec NXP-205-BK Fan Controller (modified for 6VDC max output)
Nexus NX-5000 Power Supply
Tyan S2927A2NRF Motherboard
2 AMD OSA2210CQWOF Processor
2 Zalman CNPS9500 CPU Coolers (used Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound)
4 Kingston KVR533D2S4R4/512 PC2-4200, 512MB, ECC, Registered with Vantec DDR-A1C heat spreader
Emprex EMSE6600 GeForce 6600 Video Card with 256MB
Western Digital WD2500KSRTL 250GB SATA (partitioned 50GB for OS, PTLE, etc. rest for backups)
Seagate ST3120813AS Barracuda 7200.9 120GB SATA (for audio)
Memorex MRX-500N DVD-RW Dual Layer drive
Windows XP Pro
PTLE 7.3
Acronis True Image 9

I still plan to replace the stock cooler on the video card to cut the fan noise. Otherwise, I think I'm set.

Jeff

[dillon99999]

snip.

[dillon99999]

my recommended video card still stands:

get the ATI X300 (search ebay for them).
1. they are less than $20 on ebay.
2. they have dual video outputs (can run up to two monitors).
3. this card has no fan = NOISELESS.

also get a fanless power supply:
http://www.directron.com/cf400coolmax.html

for a cpu cooler, try the Scythe Ninja (basically a very large heatsink - typically requires no fan - or passive heat removal).

[itsplayed]

To answer your question....no, it's not worth it. The Core 2 Duo is it on the single socket solution(excluding quads for lack of support). The X-2 or Opteron doesn't come close.....Dual-Dual cores is a different story altogether.

[NeveSSL]

Thanks again for the replies...

Jeff: does the CNPS9500 come with socket f support natively or did you rig it? That seems to be one of the biggest problems with socket f so far... or at least the biggest complaint I've heard so far.

Also, I know some former dual cpu boards have had dedicated ram to each cpu... is that why you went with 4 512 sticks instead of 2 1G sticks?

Dillon: I'll be gaming just a bit on this comp too (although I'm going to dual-boot and have a dedicated install of windows to audio), but I actually found an XFX 7300GT that is fanless that I plan on using. I'll be using a Seasonic Power Supply, which has received very good review for being quiet. I also don't really like to idea of all the weight bearing down on my cpus when it comes to fanless heatsinks... I just don't trust myself to install them... I'm afraid I'll crush the cores... I've watched a friend kill a nice, brand new (at the time) Athlon MP CPU with similar... heh.

itsplayed:

I'm talking about dual dual cores... so that's the story I need. I'm well aware that X2s and Opterons in general fall behind Core 2 Duos by a significant margin.

Thanks again!

Brandon